Who's Who: Karissa Mollicone

Name: Karissa Mollicone

Position & school(s): MHS Dance Teacher

How long have you been teaching? Two years.

Where did you go to college? What degrees do you hold? I went to Arizona State University, and I hold a BFA in Dance Education.

Any awards/accomplishments? Any claims to fame? I studied in China with ASU’s Dance abroad program; performed with Dance Arizona Repertory Theatre (DART), the college’s dance company, which participated in community partnerships; awarded Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Dance Education, Special Talent Award in Dance, and Kathy Lindholm Lane Scholarship in Dance Education.

What’s your favorite part of your job? Being able to do what I am passionate about every single day and experiencing my students make discoveries in dance.

Why did you become a dance teacher? I became a dancer teacher because I want to share the art form with others and believe that dance specifically creates relationships and experiences that students may not find elsewhere.

Did you do anything else before you became a dance teacher? I have been a student, a dance teacher at a studio, a technical crew member for ASU dance shows, a server, a manager at a gym, and a substitute.

In your opinion, why do you think dance education is important? Dance education provides a creative and supportive atmosphere where students are encouraged to explore and discover their innermost thoughts and expressions. Through dance students learn not only content knowledge, but lessons in life, such as self discovery, perseverance, positive attitudes, and problem solving skills. Like myself, there are students who do not only want to, but need to move. Dance allows them to do that in a constructive, artistic way.

How has dance influenced your life? Dance has been the constant in my life that gets me through all the highs and lows. I couldn’t live without it.

Who is your favorite dancer? There are many. My college professors Mary Fitzgerald and Karen Schupp influenced me greatly.

What CD is in your CD player right now? My ipod is on shuffle – Jack Johnson, The Postal Service, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Michael Buble, Rascal Flatts, Black Eyed Peas, everything from the 80’s, etc.

What are your hobbies? Yoga, cooking, traveling, reading, Yankee baseball, my puppy Harley.

What advice would you offer to an aspiring dancer? Make it your own and allow it to touch your soul.